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Tuesday, June 30

WHIMSIE DOODLES has a BUNCH of new Digi's Debuting SOON! Here's a sneaky peek of one of the BUTTON SENTIMENTS! These button sentiments coordinate with the other Whimsie Doodles Digi Images, but I used this one by itself! I hooked it up with Basic Grey's paperline of Two Scoops and colored in the DigiImage BUTTON using my Copics! I used my Nestibilities for the circles and scallop circle, too. A little dash of Red Riding Hood Ribbon by Stampin' UP! and there you have it!

Of course, this Digi Image is usually expected to be seen on a SMALLER scale than this, as an accent/sentiment, but I enlarged it to be the focal point for this 4 1/4" square card. I also did this so you would notice the quality of the font when printing out the Buttons on a larger scale!

Monday, June 29

I posted yesterday that SheetLoad of Cards' new July issue will be debuting on Wednesday, but I guess I never posted this layout that I did using June's Sketch! Man, I am slackin'!

This is my youngest, Isaac, who apparently got wore out from playing his VSmile! LOL! This is one of the many reasons why I LOVE SheetLoad of Cards! You can take their sketch and use it as inspiration for other things, not just CARDS!

If you would like details on the papers, stamp image or embellies, just download JUNE'S issue by clicking on THIS LINK HERE and you will find how to do it; then go through the E-Zine until you find this pic and listed by it will be all of the crafty supplies I used!

SheetLoad is FREE to download and save on your computer or if you are a paper-person and just have to print it out, you can do that, too! Totally free!!

WHOOPS, a major blunder yesterday! I forgot to post my SheetLoad Saturday! SheetLoad of Cards will be debuting their next issue in just a couple days!! I can't wait to show you July's issue with the awesome new sketch! It will surely get you inspired to create!

And don't forget, that when SheetLoad has a new issue with a new sketch, there are always contests where you can win prizes or gift certificates, JUST for sharing what you created using the sketch! EASY PEASY!!

Mark July 1st on your calendar so you don't forget to see all the wonderful cards and projects that were inspired by SHEETLOAD of CARDS!

Saturday, June 27

My talented paper-galpal, Andrea, had this simple yet ADORABLE card on HER BLOG, CRAFY ENGINEERING, that I CASE'd {Copy And Share Everything} today. I loved the symetrical aspect of it, and just had to CASE it!! I hardly ever seem to do anything quite this balanced, LOL!

The stamp set is a spankin' brand new Stampin' Up! stamp set called Circus, Circus; it is available on July 1st for purchase! Oh, the 'thank you' is from a new set as well, called Teeny Tiny Wishes. And the papers are the new IN COLORS of Bermuda Blue, Rich Razzleberry and Mango Melon! I am in love with these!! I am headed to work on some design team stuff next, so I will catch ya'll later!

Thanks to a dear friend who caught this COPY OF MY CARD EXACTLY on SplitCoastStampers. What do you think? Is copying really flattery??

Well, I DO think so... As long as the person copying gives CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE!

I am very curious to know your comments and opinions on this subject. I am OFTEN confronted with this in the jewelry design spectrum of my work, but not with the paper-crafters. They seem to be more kind and diligent on giving credit to the appropriate person....

Friday, June 26

Marianne Walker, who works for THE Copic Marker company, put out a color chart for those of us who use Copic Markers. NOW, please see HER ORIGINAL CHART on HER BLOG I LIKE MARKERS; I cropped it so I could get all of the boxes on one page which gives me larger squares. Make sure you print this out on your white cardstock that you normally use or plan to use your Copics on. Different cardstocks will show one Copic as different hues of color, depending on the quality of the cardstock. SO, if you are like me, and use three different WHITE cardstocks (SUP, Making Memories, Georgia Pacific), depending on the project you are working on, then print a chart out on EACH of the white cardstocks you use and then color them in at the same time. This will save time, in the long run!

In case you hadn't heard, Eli broke his arm. He fractured his humorous to be exact. This happened Monday evening when I left to take Josh to IUPUI orientation/registration. He fell out of playground equipment at the baseball field while waiting for KayLee's tball game to start. Well, Scott didn't take him to the doctor on Tuesday; but when I came home Tuesday night I was shocked to see his elbow was swollen two times the normal size.

After I realized Wednesday morning that he could lift his arm out to the side and that he couldn't do a bicep curl, I called the doctor (had to page him as he has Wednesdays off) and Dr. M told me to take him to the hospital right away and so I did. A few hours later, after lunch, and over an hour and 15 in the waiting room, Eli was casted!

He picked purple for his cast, since his Colorado Rockies baseball team ROCKS and that is their tshirt color! LOL! He's finally on the upswing. Yesterday he was still moving pretty slow. The doctor told me that the humorous is usually only able to be fixed with surgery but since his was broke in a certain way, the cast/sling would do. THANK GOODNESS! AND he also said that the humorous is one of the most painful bones to break and that he was shocked that he didn't even wince while being casted, let alone cry! They have seen grown men cry with his type of break!

He has to get a new cast next Wednesday since the swelling will go down and make the cast too loose for proper healing. SO, we have to go back and do it all over again, but hopefully not stay in the waiting room for over an hour this time... we'll see.

AND here's Pepsi, being a trooper while being tormented by the 'crazies'. They put her in the umbrella stroller and pushed her around the house. SO FUNNY! I guess she didn't mind it, as she ended up taking a nap and snoring in the stroller! LOL!

Each month SheetLoad will show you how to create a card from the new sketch, keeping it 'Simple' {following the sketch CLOSELY} TO making it 'SpEcIaL' {tweaking the sketch a bit to make it more of your own style} TO showcasing it as 'STUNNING' {really working the sketch from adding embellishments and flipping the sketch to really blinging it up} !!

Go now to see how June's Sketch has been shown in the three different styles! Leave Alicia some love and let her know what you think of this new and exciting feature!

Tuesday, June 23

My lampwork artist-friend, Jen, has this flowering plant growing in her yard... ANYONE know what it is? I have consulted my gardening/paper-crafter friend, Kathleen Paneitz, to take a looksie at it; so hopefully we will have this mystery solved soon!

Josh and I are back from college orientation! Josh has his schedule and is ready to go for the most part! I will post something crafty and new soon!

11. The last time I really cried was because... of the same reason I had cried before really hard. Same Ol' Same Ol'....

12. My cell phone... is old and boring, I need a new one with internet hookup like my cool friends have!

13. When I wake up in the morning... I take Pepsi for a walk {and then drink a lot of coffee}

14. Before I go to bed... I take Pepsi for a walk! {and then say my prayers}

15. Right now I am thinking about... taking Pepsi for a walk! JK! I am thinking a day of crafting would be nice, but since it is Father's Day I doubt that will happen!

16. Babies are... overrated. The poo-ing, the slobbering, the waking all night... {Can you tell I am finished having kids?}

17. I get on Myspace... never, FaceBook, when I want to check in with distant family and local friends.

18. Yesterday I... said goodbye to my minister after a 21 year reign in the pulpit. I have known him since 1988 when I was 17..., yeah, so what you can add! I know I am 38, Thanks!

19. Tomorrow I will be... taking Josh to IUPUI for freshman orientation/registration....sniff sniff...

19b. Today I will be... glad to see Josh home safe from Dallas and then working onearbling!

20. I really want to be... able to get into a bathing suit without embarrassment. I know that sounds shallow, but three kids in three years does a chore on a body that is older. Can anyone say NO ELASTICITY..... Talk about a sharpei puppy.... need I say more?

Well, that was fun! Hope you learned a bit more about me that you wanted (but probably didn't NEED, LOL) to know! Hope you play along!

Let me know if you have any questions about my space or anything in it! And be sure to leave everyone some love about what you find so wonderful and smart about their spaces!!

FIRST: I have TWO sides to this room, but the bead side (TO THE VERY LEFT OF THE PIC) never got taken... maybe I will do that today. Anyhoo.... this is beginning in the middle of my room, where my two desks face each other....Here's my fabulous cardstock, under the baskets at top are 12 x 12 bazzill and some SUP!, THEN on the second layer are paper-holders (cropper hopper brand available through me at SUP!) holding 12 x 12 DSP papers, like those by Stampin' UP, Basic Grey, BoBUNNY, etc. Under that, on top of the dresser, is my lovely collection of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock papers by SUP! Here's the end where you walk into the room - see details of my stamp storage coverage/drapes below....

Detail shot of the cardstock and paper storage.... oh, and the jars of buttons. One has cool colors, one neutrals, and the other warm colors....

Here's the close up of my drapes that I made. It softens the mind a bit by not seeing the stamp storage chaos. I used fusible velcro, that is sticky on one side (SUPAH sticky, I might add). You just have to heat/iron the one side onto the fabric. NO SEWING INVOLVED! WOOHOO! I had originally bought this satin for using as display cloth for my fall shows, but then decided to do this. I LOVE IT!

I just fold the drapes back in little loops when I want to see all of my stamps at once! Otherwise, they remain closed so it looks nicer and less cluttered!!

I used these wonderful Southern Living at Home wire~baskets on my desks (BOTH) to store my everyday items. It is nice that they are see through so I can find what I need easily. I guess I should have taken a picture of my desk so you could see better my 150 COPICS (just visible at the top of the pic) and how I also have a DVD player on my desk for movie-watching while crafting!Here's my fabulous ribbon storage. I think there were over 300 at last count... My loose ribbon is in drawers from ribbon swaps, and scrap ribbon is in a photo box by my desk for easy reaching.

Here's my everyday punches on the side of my desk. I used the cheapo Walmart towel bars from the hardware section (NOT the curtain/rug section) to hold these. I do have two other drawers of punches that I don't use a lot in the dresser under the paper storage area. My nesties are all in a photobox right next to my desk for easy accessibility!

Here's a pic of some of my photo file boxes that I got at BigLots for $3.00 each. There are a total of 25 or 26 including the beading side of my craft room and they are nicely labeled and separated for easy finding! It has been wonderful having these, I can not even begin to tell you!!

AND, last but not least.... enough to make you drool... MY PRIMAS! I know, I have a bit of an obsession with Prima and with Ribbon... It is embarrassing! BUT, they always say to surround yourself with things you love! HAHA! Just under these shelves, you can see my beading storage containers and one of the 8 or so photo file storage boxes from the opposite side of the room. This corner is what I see when I am sitting at my paper-side desk. It sucks that I have to get up and go across the room to get the primas, but it surely is fun to be able to see them all the time since I am facing them while crafting!

Well, that is it! I hope you enjoyed my Craft Room as much as I enjoy being in it!!!

Well, Miss Pepsi is doing well! She's made herself right at home, obviously. She is so funny! SHE SNORES! I KNOW! Isnt' that hilarious?? I guess that way I know when she is really sleeping and not just laying down! HA!

Saturday, June 20

I can't find it in my blog, so maybe I haven't shared this one yet, but honestly, I am not sure! I thought I did!

Anyhoo.... I made this a month ago or so to give to someone who spoke to my son's Christian Youth Group year-end banquet. John was very motivating and inspiring and shared wonderful '1st year at college' tips! Paper is My Mind's Eye, BLOOM & GROW (available at Precious Scraps, just email Bev!), stamps are by SUP! Business size card, kind of frilly, but still masculine (at least in my opinion) with the paisley and black accents.

I am off to the HHGallery in Holland, Indiana, for a few hours today, so come out and see me if you have some free time! From Huntingburg, take S.R. 161 to go to Holland/Evansville and go one mile and turn right onto C.R. 650. Follow the signs! From Interstate 64 take the Holland Exit, go north on 161 and take a left on C.R. 650, so easy to find.

Friday, June 19

All of my pets have always had names that began with the letter "P", so last night we got it down to Pepper, Puddles, Punkin and Pokey. BUT those just didn't feel right. Then my hubby (who was anti-dog until last Tuesday when he saw the puppies) said PEPSI! I was excited! Sounded perfect for this puppy! Even though she looks a little subdued, boy can she run and play! SO, to say she is PEPPY in an understatement!

Pepsi is a mix of Mountain Cur, Rottweiler, Sharpei, Blue Heeler and Autrailian Cattle dog, and possibly even a little Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She is really sweet with the kids and already knows her name and likes her little pen! She should end up about 40-45 lbs and that is what size dog I was wanting next, so I am happy!

Thursday, June 18

Whimsie Doodles is showcasing a supah cute image today! AND what is extra cool about this Ducky digi image is that it is downloaded in separate pieces.... this means, the duck will have the wing loose, the beak loose, the wheels separate, etc.... This way you can print it out on different sheets of cardstock or patterned papers and then cut them out and piece them together for a card OR you can actually use your Cricut with Design Software (or other cutting system that uses SVG files) and have it cut them out individually! HOW COOL!

{Note to SELF: I guess that means I should find the Cricut software I bought about a year ago and try it out!! LOL!}

I am new to this type of stuff, so if you have any questions, please refer to Melyssa at Whimsie Doodles!! OH, and did I mention that this one is just $1.00??? YEP, that's right! $1.00 for an image that you can adjust size-wise! WOW! The infinite possiblities are just blowing my mind!!

CLICK HERE to purchase this adorable ducky image for just $1.00 and to view all of Melyssa's other digi images!!!!

Morning, PEOPLE!! Well, yesterday's excursion to INDY just about killed me! UGH! But, I am movin' right along now! I am relieved to be reassured what I already knew was true, that I JUST HAVE SMALL KIDS!! HAHA!

This card is shockingly summery, isn't it? I think I just may send this to Eli's doctor to say thanks for yesterday's appointment! See previous post!

Look at the Stampin' Up! supplies on this Thinking Of You card! Perfect for any occasion! Notice the scallop oval punch with sentiment and paper-piercing, large oval (i like to call it the egg punch) punch shown in Dusty Durango orange, Crushed Curry dotted yellow ribbon, AND NEW DSP Razzleberry Lemonade! The stamp images, including the sentiment, are from a HOSTESS Level 3 stamp set called Kind & Caring Thoughts that is debuting in the new catalog on July 1st! LOVELY EH? I first stamped the flowers with the Crushed Curry and then stamped on top of them the Dusty Durango ink in a coordinating silhouette floral image.

OH, did I mention that this is June's Sketch from SheetLoad of Cards?? Well, it is! And I just LOVE IT!! I seem to keep coming back to this one over and over and over!!! That's enough for now! We have a baseball game, tball practice and I have to say good-bye to my Schwan's man, Billy! He is moving his family to Missouri to become the director of praise/worship at a church! Blessings to you, BILLY!! I will miss you!! Enjoy your Thursday, guys!!

Wednesday, June 17

FIRST...... I need to SHOUT OUT to my oldest, JOSH, who flew to Dallas, Texas, today! He is participating in the Business Professionals of America NATIONAL COMPETITION this week! GOOD LUCK, JOSHI!!

Scroll down for info on today's appointment at Riley for Eli......

ABOVE:Josh always goes with me to take the 'crazies' to 9am kickball...... I snuck this pic of him last week......

ABOVE:Here are the 'crazies' playing Rock, Paper, Scissors while waiting for the doctor to see Eli..........

ABOVE:KayLee was laughing at her reflection at the examining table...........

ABOVE:

The 'crazies' decided to hide from the doctor behind an examining table, in a corner.... Funny thing to see all THREE of them able to fit in a small space of about 10 cubic feet!

ABOVE: Hamming it up for the camera and getting stir crazy waiting for the doctor!

UPDATE: As expected, Eli had a bone age test (xray of wrist/hand) and had blood drawn. Our diagnostic pediatric doctor we were told to see attempted to have us take Eli to see an endocrinologist after her initial assessment, but the scheduling didn't work out. So, we will be having to do that in 4-6 weeks.

In her opinion, after (A)reviewing the heights of my and Scott's family members, (B)understanding Josh's past history of having taken growth hormone shots three times a week for an entire year, resulting in 1/2" of growth, (C)finding out that Scott didn't grow until after high school, and (D)that he was shorter than his three younger sisters until jr/sr high, she's not concerned at all about Eli's stature. OH, and (E) seeing that he is very active in sports (wrestling, basketball, baseball) and keeping up with his age group and also the fact that he is sharp witted and intelligent, she is not expecting a low or non-active thyroid issue. I didn't know this, but she said that a child that has an abnormal functioning thyroid usually shows a lethargic personality and slower ability in learning... well, that is NOT our Eli with all A's and sports-oriented!

Of course we are still going to check out the thyroid and blood-work, just to rule out any other medical issues. But over all, she anticipates hearing a clear result of the tests! SO, that is the update on Eli who is 7 and has the stature of the average 4 1/2-5 year old! - OH, and she did mention that KayLee and Isaac were smaller, too, and after seeing that, she just is determining that our combined family genes are shrinking the kids, LOL! NAH, she didn't really SAY that, but that is what she meant. Dr. S was awesome and we are supah grateful we got a doctor that actually did listen to US, our family HISTORY, and Josh's medical ISSUES, too.

As promised, here's a new Whimsie Doodles card I did on Sunday! Isn't he the cutest!? I used my Nestibilities to use just a portion of the digi image and then colored it in using my Copics, OF COURSE! The paper is by My Mind's Eye and I think it is the GROW line, but it could be the BLOOM line, I always get them confused.

I would go figure it out, but I am running late, so if ya JUST HAVE TO KNOW, get a hold of BEV at PRECIOUS SCRAPS and she will hook you up with your own My Mind's Eye papers just like these!

I am so excited to be able to use my Copics on these wonderful digi images!! I am positive you will be seeing a lot more of them! Maybe SUNDAY??? Can you wait that long? LOL!

To see more of these wonderful digi images, check out the Whimsie Doodles ETSY STORE!

Here's my exciting news! I have been asked to be on the WHIMSIE DOODLES design team! Just a few weeks ago, I found out about Melyssa's Digi-stamp-line and seriously fell DRUNK IN LOVE with her images!

WHY? Well, let me tell you!

Besides the obvious TOO-CUTENESS of the images, the quality is sooo awesome! The lines are THICK which helps when coloring them with Copic Markers! Makes coloring a bit more forgiving! AND the Sentiments that come with each are nice and CRISP! There's nothing worse than a jagged looking font for a sentiment! Besides those two things, I LOVE the fact that you can adjust them into any size you need depending on the project you are using! You can even print the images into a full size 8 x 10 print so you can color them and put them in a frame!! PERFECT for gift-giving!

Monday, June 15

ETA: I just added the "FOLLOWERS" tab at left in my blog column. SO, if you want to 'follow' my blog so you don't miss out on future posts, blog candies and especially the 'big' announcement tomorrow, just click on it to join!

Sunday, June 14

Howdy PEEPS! I was busy helping a friend yesterday morning make some bridal shower invitations for her sister's fall wedding, so the SheetLoad Saturday is now today's SheetLoad SUNDAY! LOL!

SheetLoad of Cards has hooked up with the Cutting Cafe! They allowed us to use some of their digi images on this month's sketch! Their fruit images really made this challenge easy for me! I love fruit in cardmaking, little girls' clothing and any kind of accessory!

I used these two fruit images, colored them in with my Copic Sketch markers and used the new Razzleberry Lemonade paper by Stampin' UP! to make these two new cards last evening. These cards feature some of the new IN COLORS coming this July by Stampin' UP! In the top card, the yellow is called Crushed Curry and the orange is called Dusty Durango. The grape card features the Rich Razzleberry, which is sort of a deep pinky/plum color and you can also see the new hot pink IN COLOR called Melon Mambo in the patterned paper, too!

{ Note: There are two other new IN COLORS not shown here on these cards, but if you love turquoise and taupe, I think you are going to pleasantly pleased with the other two colors!!}

Friday, June 12

I just posted that SheetLoad wants to see your creations using this month's sketch, as shown below... AND now I have also seen that BITTEN BY THE BUG is holding their own challenge using my sketch from June's issue at SheetLoad of Cards! You also need to use any flower from any CRICUT cartridge, because that is what BITTEN BY THE BUG is about! Using your Provocraft Cricut to the MAX!!!

SheetLoad of Cards is wanting to see your creations using June's sketch! You can use any papers, embellies, and stamps you see fit for the sketch! SO!!!!!!! On that note, since I just received my Stampin' UP! order with the new IN COLORS in it JUST TODAY, I just might have to indulge myself and head to the scraproom to make a new card using the sketch myself!! HEEHEE!!

Check out THIS POST HERE on how to get entered, be sure to follow the guidelines so we can see your card or other artistic beauty using the June sketch!

These gals below have been hired by Sherrill Graff to work for free SUP! product! If you would be interested in doing the same, please check out Sherrill's BLOG HERE and get the details! You can also become a member of LateNightStamper's Yahoo group for additional creation inspiration, too!! If you are a Stampin' UP! demonstrator, there's a group for you as well! You will get tons of business ideas, helpful tips and also can share your latest technique that you are sharing with your stamp clubs and/or customers!

I also enjoy being a part of these groups because you come across many ways to 'pay-it-forward', if you will. There are requests now and then to send a card to a friend of a friend who is needing a pick-me-up for an after-surgery situation. Or you find alternate things you can participate in doing, too. For example, I am going to be decorating 100 white paper lunch bags that will be forwarded to a Ronald McDonald House to be given to parents filled with lunch items so that they don't have to leave their child's side to go have a bite. AND wouldn't you rather have a decorated lunch sack, too, than a regular old brown bag? Just a simple way to give back to those who need a little "LIFT"! Ya know!?

WANNA JOIN??? Well.............

CLICK HERE: for the Stampin' UP! LateNightStampers group and fill in the boxes to join.CLICK HERE: for the LateNightStampers Demonstrator group and fill in the boxes to join.Be sure to include your name, address (especially STATE) when you apply to the DEMOONLY group.

Wednesday, June 10

Congratulations!! Email me your address (my addy is in my profile) and I will zap this one out to you ASAP! Thanks to everyone for playing along in my blog-candy-fun! If you care to keep VOTING HERE, I will give you 5 additional entries into the next blog candy drawing! Just (click on the long white bar, after clicking on the above link and then... ) leave a comment on this post with my place/rank (#1, #2, etc) and I will keep this up until the next drawing! Be sure to space out your voting by 24 hours, so that the votes count!

Tuesday, June 9

Good Evening, PEEPS! Sorry this is so very late in posting, but today was a busy busy day! The crazies had kickball at 9am and then we headed to the park for some additional playtime! And on kickball days, I invite the neighbor-boy Zach (eli's best friend) to spend the night the night before! And then watch him all day, too, following kickball. We had some grilled cheese for lunch and then went out in the back for some pooltime! FUN FUN FUN!

Eli had baseball tonight at 7:30pm and KayLee's game was at 8pm, so we got home late from the games and am just now finding time to post something! WELL! Here's one of my cards for SHEETLOAD OF CARD'S JUNE ISSUE! I used my lovely Copic Markers for coloring the image and the paper details are in the issue. It is free to download and no membership fee to join or anything like that. You aren't required to be a follower or anything! Totally free ezine at your creative-disposal!! GO CHECK IT OUT!

OH! AND blog candy drawing is tomorrow! Get your final entries in now! SEE HERE for info!

CLICK ON THIS LINK HERE to see the guidelines on how to win! SheetLoad is great for helping you make a bunch of cards at once with limited papers and supplies, as well as creation-inspiration for other items such as scrapbook pages, altered art and gift bags!

Sunday, June 7

There was a wedding yesterday here, in town. I don't know who they are, but now the Pfau couple is a famly! I was commissioned to make this name frame for the couple as a gift. They wanted (get this!....) Neutrals WITH burgundy, green, yellow and brown. Hmmm.... I hope they like this! It was seriously the best I could do!

They wanted it in a black frame, but I am glad I didn't have one on hand, because black just would not look right for this artwork. It is screaming BROWN!! Am I right? Check back later for something new!

Saturday, June 6

I thought it would be fun to share with you all my inspiration card that prompted this month's sketch at SheetLoad of Cards! Their June issue is now available for download and I am sharing my items that are featured in this month's issue here on this blog; but I just have to show you this card!

I liked it so much a couple of months ago that I decided to put it aside and use this sketch at my next available chance at SheetLoad. I also can't seem to part with it! I KNOW who it is SUPPOSED to be given to..... BUT just can't seem to let it go! LOL!

Do you think that TIFFANY will be okay in just 'knowing' that it is meant for her? HAHA! Tiffany had an extra stamp of this 'my dear, kind & wonderful friend' image, by Stampin' UP! and she let me have it! I had always wanted this stamp image, but didn't necessarily want all of the others in the set, so I decided to let this one go.... until.........

THANKS, Tiffany!

The flourish is from the Thoughts and Prayers set, I believe. I added some blue Stickles to the flower's centers, a knot of Martha Stewart ribbon and a dollop of scallop under the sentiment... Viola! A lovely card; at least I THINK SO!

Friday, June 5

Bev @ PRECIOUS SCRAPS sent me these papers to showcase on my blog for her! I love the shabby-chic-ness of these papers. AND that they are masculine, too! I made two 'Dad' cards, one for my hubby and one for his dad for Father's Day. I was planning on giving one of them to MY dad, but since he reads my blog I will have to make another just for him and post it ON Father's Day!

The top card I made using the scraps from the two dad cards. I added rub-on stars and a pop-dotted 'super-star' sentiment diecut that came with the paper-kit. I think I will hold on to this one until I come across a little boy's birthday at church and then send it to him!

Thursday, June 4

The one other gal who works with the junior high kids also needs a little lovin'! So, I am sending this one to her! She shared a personal experience last night at the Wednesday Night 'Amazing Race' party we had, so I think she deserves to know how wonderful she is for sharing her love for Christ to these most-impressionable kids!!

Again, these papers are by BoBunny, available at Precious Scraps! The online store is still under construction, but you can just email Bev and she will hook you up with these awesome papers!

I am SUPAH glad that Bev @ PRECIOUS SCRAPS gave this BoBunny paper set to play with. I only got about 6 sheets or so, but man these are wonderful since they are double sided!! And the sheet with these pre-printed boxes and journal notes are wonderful too! If you want to get your hands on some, get a hold of Bev by clicking on the above link!

I am sending this card to a friend at church that gives so much of herself to the jr. high class. I am more than likely going to be helping her out on Wednesday nights and on some weekends throughout the summer and during the next school-year. I just think she needs a note of appreciation for all she does for the kids AND for our church!

Wednesday, June 3

Look at this cute WITTLE GUY! Isn't he adorable?? This digi image is by WHIMSIE DOODLES, which is created by Melyssa Connolly! You can see more of her images on her BLOG or even purchase them in her ETSY STORE!

My poor hubby's birthday was overlooked due to my son's graduation party a couple of weeks ago. SO, since he is an avid griller in the summer, I just HAD to get this image for him! I think it is PERFECT with this Lime Rickey Paper-set by Basic Grey! If ya want it, contact Bev at Precious Scraps! I know that the 12 x 12 sets are on order, but she sent me the 6 x 6 pad, which I made this card from. I would have loved to have added a spot of ribbon, but since this is for my hubby, I thought I would try to control myself!

Mr. Hotty was colored in using my Copic Markers, OF COURSE!! You know how I love those things! Click on the pic to enlarge to see the details of his tortoise shell coloring, I even surprised myself!! ;0)

Monday, June 1

OK, as promised, Josh's graduation is OVAH! (OVER) So, I am going to have another batch of Blog Candy!

HOW TO WIN:

(A)Leave a comment on this post and tell me what you love MOST about summer!

AND / OR

(B) For 5 more entries EVERY DAY, vote for me HERE (click on the long white bar) and comment back on this post with my Anderson Arts ranking (#1, #2, #3, etc) and you will get five more chances to win the sweet candy posted above!! Just seeing my banner and commenting on this post with my ranking gets you Blog Candy entries! You do not need to '''rate''' of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 to get your entries!! PLEASE NOTE: {Be sure to space out your voting every 24 hours or it won't count! Put me in your favorites to remember to vote everyday!}

ETA on 6-3: When you vote tomorrow, I may not be on the first page; they are re-setting the votes back to ZERO, so I have to work myself back to the first page!!

AND / OR

(C) Post the picture of the blog candy (in above post) on YOUR BLOG with a link back to my blog and you will get 10 MORE entries! - Leave a comment on this post giving me your blog-link to my candy picture so I can double check it, Please!!

Here it is! June's Issue at SHEETLOAD OF CARDS! It is available for download (or just browsing, too!) NOW!! Go check it out today and also check back every Saturday here on my blog to see what I am showcasing about SheetLoad! I am calling it 'SheetLoad Saturday'!

This Saturday I will be sharing the card that inspired this month's sketch (by ME!) at SheetLoad! But, until Saturday, go see this fabulous issue and look for all of the many ways my sketch was turned into artistry by all of the designers! Your creative-MOJO will be cranked up HIGH after seeing this month's issue, I am sure!

I can't sleep. I am sure that it has NOTHING to do with the fact that I had a two-plus hour nap this evening from 7-9pm (LOL!), but you never know!

I wasn't going to say anything, but really I am bummed because I didn't get a phone call today that I was hoping to get. I applied for a design-team a few weeks back and since the new designers will be announced today, I am guessing I wasn't picked. Sigh. I know I could have just kept quiet and not let you all know how I was 'not picked', but you know me. I don't sugar-coat things well. I wear my heart on my sleeve too obviously sometimes, I should probably work on that.

I was really hoping and praying to be a part of this team, too. For many reasons, almost too numerous to mention, really. But that is okay. I am guessing that 'why' it didn't work out is what is best for what HE has planned for me; whatever that may be!

I just had to share and get it off my chest so that I could go to sleep. This would have been my FINAL design team that I was allowing myself to be a part of. I know I am a busy woman, wife, mother, sister and friend, but this team would have been such an honor and such a blessing for me in so many ways.

Oh, well. Maybe I will try again when there is another call from them. It makes me wonder what I need to do 'until then' to make it the next time. Change my style? Add MORE ribbon? Use LESS layers? GASP!! SURELY NOT! LOL!

Well, like I said, I am sure that God has a reason for it. AND if the reason IS for me to work on tweaking my style, so be it, I can do that! If it IS to give me more free time, since it is summer, I am cool with that, too. I just really had all of my fingers, toes and other extremities crossed for this one.

{Note to Bev and Alicia: I will tell you both who it was for, in a separate email soon, just so you know why I am going on and on and on about this, OK? Please don't think that I do not appreciate being a part of your teams!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS and am so grateful to you BOTH!!}

Ok, I feel better now! Thanks for listening everyone, I am gonna hit the sack and wake up happier because I know you all were here for me! LOL!! Hugs to you all and blessings on your day that the Lord has made just perfect for you!!

Howdy!

The Merriam-Webster's Dictionary states that an ARTISAN IS: one that produces something in limited quantities often using traditional methods. Yep, that's me! Artistry originates from the soul and is about expressing one's self. A TRUE artist creates from talent that is found from WITHIN, not from copying another! I want to share my love of art and design with you!

Background Check

Opinionated Woman - born in PA - lived in FL, TX, VA & IN, obviously - Genius IQ - didn't apply it in school LOL! - married at 18 - mom to first boy at 19 { HE is now in college at 21 }- divorced at 23 - bachelorette - past kitchen, bath & furniture designer - one cat - remarried at 30 to Honey (a.k.a. Scott)- mom again to boy 9, and again to girl 8, and last time to boy 6 - losing my mind, ha ha - added another cat - another outside cat added me -finally got a puppy {named Pepsi} I have been wanting for years - now 40 - present jewelry designer - and artist - and paper~crafter - futurewho knows what ? {SCENTSY CONSULTANT, that's what! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY REAL 'JOB'!}- Livin' the good life IN LOVE - Nicole

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What IS Lampwork?

Not everyone understands what "Lampwork" means. SO, in my meager attempt to explain what it is, I hope it clarifies my lust for it!

Simply put, lampwork is: Glass beads made by hand with a torch. Individually made (one bead at a time) by melting skinny sticks of glass (called stringers) onto a non-stopping spinning mandrel (metal stick that makes the bead hole) in order to keep the bead's round symetrical shape. How's that for a run-on sentence??

To realize the patience and talent that goes into EACH and EVERY bead will make you a lover as well! The flowing scrolls take experience, the evenly spaced dots and swirls take a steady hand AND focused eye!

Each bead is a miniature 'Work of Art'! NOW do you understand why I LOVE and APPRECIATE them??